Last updated: September 2026 – fine amounts checked against the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 and current state notifications.
Traffic fines in India increased sharply after the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 came into force. The amounts below are the central maximums set by that Act; states can set their own fines at or below this ceiling, so your actual challan may be slightly different depending on where you’re driving. This guide lists the fines you’re most likely to encounter, why they exist, and how to avoid them.
To check and pay a specific challan, see our guide on how to check and pay e-challans.
Key Traffic Fines in India (2026)
| Offence | Fine (central maximum) |
|---|---|
| Driving without a valid licence | Rs 5,000 |
| Drunk driving (first offence) | Rs 10,000 and/or up to 6 months’ imprisonment |
| Driving without insurance | Rs 2,000 |
| Driving without a PUC certificate | Rs 10,000 |
| Riding without a helmet | Rs 1,000, plus possible 3-month licence disqualification |
| Not wearing a seat belt | Rs 1,000 |
| Jumping a red light / signal violation | Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 |
| Overspeeding (light motor vehicle) | Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 |
| Overspeeding (medium/heavy vehicle) | Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 |
| Dangerous or rash driving | Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 (first offence) |
| Racing or speed trials | Up to Rs 5,000 |
| Vehicle without a permit | Rs 10,000 |
| Overloading (vehicle) | Rs 20,000 + Rs 2,000 per extra tonne |
| Overloading (passengers) | Rs 1,000 per extra passenger |
| Triple riding on a two-wheeler | Rs 1,000, plus possible licence disqualification |
| Disobeying a traffic officer’s orders | Rs 2,000 |
| Unauthorised person driving (owner’s offence) | Rs 5,000 |
| Juvenile driving (guardian/owner liable) | Rs 25,000, with registration cancelled and the juvenile ineligible for a licence until 25 |
Note: a growing number of states now also apply a points-based system, where repeated violations within a year can lead to licence suspension after a set number of offences, separate from the fine itself. Check your state transport department’s latest rules, since this varies by state and changes from time to time.
Two-Wheeler Specific Fines
| Offence | Fine |
|---|---|
| Riding without a helmet | Rs 1,000 |
| Riding without a valid two-wheeler licence | Rs 5,000 |
| Riding without rear-view mirrors | Rs 500 (varies by state) |
| Unauthorised vehicle modifications | Rs 5,000 and re-registration may be required |
| Riding on footpaths | Varies by state, typically a few hundred rupees |
See our full two-wheeler licence guide if you don’t have the right vehicle class yet.
Vehicle Document Offences
| Offence | Fine |
|---|---|
| Driving with a defective, missing or fancy number plate | Rs 5,000 |
| Using an unregistered vehicle | Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 |
| Vehicle without a valid RC | Rs 5,000 |
| Vehicle without a fitness certificate (transport) | Rs 5,000 |
Keep your RC, insurance, PUC certificate and, for commercial vehicles, your fitness certificate valid at all times, since these are checked together in most traffic stops.
Why Were Fines Increased?
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 raised fines significantly compared to the original 1988 Act, in some cases by 5 to 10 times, as part of a push to reduce India’s high rate of road accidents and deaths. The government’s stated aim was to make penalties a real deterrent rather than a minor cost of doing business. No major central revision has taken place since, though individual states occasionally review their own rates.
How To Avoid Traffic Fines
What To Do If You Receive a Fine
Pay the challan within the usual window (often 30 to 60 days, depending on the state) through the eChallan Parivahan portal or your state’s own challan portal, and keep the receipt. If you believe the challan is wrong, most states let you file a grievance online with evidence, as with the Maharashtra challan grievance process. If the challan is not paid in time, it can be forwarded to a Virtual Court, where you either pay it there or contest it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are traffic fines the same across every state?
No. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 sets the maximum fine for each offence, but individual states can set their own amounts at or below that maximum. Always check your state transport department’s current notification for the exact figure.
Will traffic fines affect my driving record?
Yes. Repeated violations and unpaid fines can lead to licence disqualification, and in several states, a set number of violations within a year can trigger a suspension review.
Can I contest a traffic fine?
Yes. You can raise a grievance through the eChallan Parivahan portal or your state’s challan portal, or contest it through a Virtual Court once the challan has been sent there.
Can old fines from before 2019 still be collected?
Yes, unpaid fines issued before the 2019 amendment can still be collected at their original amount, unless the case has since gone to court, where the court has discretion over the final amount.
Where can I check the exact fine for my state?
Your state transport department’s official website, or the notice shown on your e-challan, gives the exact amount that applies where you were stopped.